Part 7
Iolaus snapped his mouth shut and started to back away. Jett gave him a slightly panicked look. “Iolaus?" He cursed himself inwardly, maybe spying on Ares and Joxer hadn’t been such a good idea. It hadn’t helped him either. Now he’d seen how it could be, he wanted to have the same, someone who accepted all of him. More, he wanted that someone to be Iolaus. He followed Iolaus who continued to back away. “Iolaus?" he said again cautiously. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t, it was too much.” “Shut up,” Iolaus whispered. Jett blinked, then without warning, Iolaus dragged him forward and kissed him, clutching his face as he plunged his tongue into his mouth. When Iolaus eventually let him go, Jett was panting hard. “Oh,” he gasped. Iolaus took his hand and pulled him back to the riverbank. Iolaus was almost beyond coherent thought. All he knew was, he loved Jett and he was intensely turned on. He kissed the assassin again, softer this time, lips lingering, tongue exploring gently. “Jett?" he whispered, pulling away. “Yeah.” “Can I… can I see you merged?" Jett stared at him, searching his face. Seeing only curiosity and lust, and maybe something more, he took a deep breath and allowed his form to change. Iolaus watched, fascinated as Jett’s face elongated, teeth growing longer and sharper. His shoulders thickened, hunching slightly and claws sprouted from his hands. Iolaus was speechless. He was speechless long enough for Jett to worry, wondering if that was it. “Wow,” Iolaus reached out and touched Jett’s face gently. “Well?" Jett asked apprehensively. Iolaus moved closer, putting his hands on Jett’s shoulders. “I want you,” he whispered, and carefully kissed him. Jett groaned with relief and desire. He lifted Iolaus up into his powerful arms and returned the kiss, being careful his sharp teeth didn’t hurt the hunter. He put Iolaus down and they broke apart, eagerly ripping their clothes off. Iolaus stepped forward again, tilting his head wonderingly. Unconsciously, he reached out and touched Jett’s furred chest, trailing his fingers down to the hard cock. Jett hissed as Iolaus wrapped his hand round his shaft and stroked lightly. He pulled Iolaus forward roughly, wrapping an arm round his neck and kissing him hard. Iolaus pulled back breathless. “Wow, your tongue is huge.” Jett smirked, “Want to feel more?" Iolaus’ eyes widened, “Oh Gods, yes.” Jett pushed him to the ground and licked him all over. Iolaus moaned and writhed as the large, rough tongue bathed his body everywhere but where he really wanted to feel it. “Please, Jett,” he gasped. Jett looked up at him and grinned evilly. Iolaus groaned and dropped his head back. Finally Jett settled between his legs and slowly licked the length of his cock. “Oh Gods,” Iolaus whimpered. He clutched Jett’s hair. Jett smiled to himself and continued to bathe Iolaus’ shaft with long, slow, firm licks. He teased Iolaus mercilessly, but finally he took pity on him and flicked his tongue quickly. Iolaus gasped and exploded all over Jett’s face. Jett chuckled and continued to lap Iolaus’ groin, cleaning him up. Iolaus dragged him up his body and licked his face clean, before claiming his mouth in a fierce kiss. “Take me now,” he ordered. Jett lifted his head and stared down, “But…” Iolaus shook his head and shh’d him. He reached out to drag his pants over and rummaged impatiently. He pulled out a tiny vial of oil and handed it to Jett. “Now!” he repeated. Jett nodded mutely. He poured some oil onto his fingers and pushed Iolaus’ legs back, reaching between them. He slid two fingers carefully into Iolaus, reducing his merged form so the claws retracted. Iolaus squirmed impatiently, “Please Jett, fuck me already!” he moaned. Jett growled and quickly withdrew his fingers as his body shifted closer to the wolf. He rubbed oil over his aching length and quickly pushed into Iolaus. Without pausing, he started to thrust hard. “Yes, Jett,” Iolaus groaned, “Missed this, missed you.” Jett’s breath hitched and his stroke faltered. He stared down at Iolaus, a question in his eyes. “I love you,” Iolaus whispered. “All of me?" Jett asked quietly. Iolaus pushed him away, gasping as Jett’s cock slipped out of him. He touched Jett’s face reassuringly and turned onto his hands and knees. “All of you,” he whispered, “I love the wolf too. I want the wolf too.” Jett groaned and closed his eyes, “Are you sure?" “Please.” Jett shimmered slightly and he morphed fully into the wolf. “Please,” Iolaus repeated. Then he gasped as Jett leapt onto him and plunged back inside him. Iolaus rocked back urgently against Jett’s hard thrusts. He yelled in surprise when he came for a second time as Jett’s cock rubbed over his sweet spot. Jett growled low in his throat and jerked into Iolaus, shuddering with his completion. Jett whimpered and licked the back of Iolaus’ neck before pulling out. Iolaus dropped to the ground and rolled over, smiling up at the wolf. He blinked and Jett was smiling down at him in fully human form. Jett leaned down to kiss his lover softly and found himself pulled into a tight hug. Jett smiled. Iolaus was the only person, besides his brothers, who didn’t treat him with extreme caution, who actually trusted him, who loved him. With Iolaus, he could be something other than a cold, emotionless killer. And it felt good. Part 8 Ares and Joxer snuck quietly back into the camp and curled up together. “I wonder where Jett got to,” Ares whispered. Joxer nudged his neck, whining softly. “Yes dear,” Ares chuckled. He closed his eyes obediently and quickly drifted off to sleep. A little later, Joxer opened his eyes and watched his brother and Iolaus share a lingering kiss before returning to their bedrolls. He sniffed the air and snorted in surprise. He stared over at his brother who met his inquiring gaze and smiled. Joxer whined and closed his eyes again. @>*~ Ares was woken abruptly by a kick to his leg. Without opening his eyes, he reached out quickly and grasped an ankle, knocking over his assailant. “Damn it,” exclaimed Gabrielle, as she hit the ground. “What did you do that for?" Ares opened his eyes and glared at her, “Think yourself lucky you’re not dead,” he growled. Gabrielle blanched and backed away as he sat up. “Anyway,” she muttered, “Breakfast.” Joxer lifted his head and yawned widely. He stretched and whined happily when Ares scratched behind his ears. “Morning, lover,” Ares chuckled at his husband’s submissive posture and gently stroked the soft, thick fur. Xena walked over to them and dropped a bird in front of Joxer. “Thank you,” Ares said. Xena smiled, “I’m sure you both need to build up your strength.” Her lips twitched at Ares’ slightly stunned expression. Ares cleared his throat and nodded. “Stop it,” he whispered at Joxer who was chuckling at him. Joxer yipped and whined at him. Ares frowned, then grinned. “We’re not the only ones, huh?" Joxer nodded and whined again. “You smelled sex and wolf, so?" Ares frowned in confusion. Joxer growled and snorted at him. “Sex *and* wolf. Oh, you mean, as in…?" Joxer nodded. “Wow!” Ares stared at Iolaus with new respect. Then he started to chuckle helplessly. Joxer tilted his head inquiringly. “H-Herc-Hercules,” Ares managed to gasp, collapsing in an uncontrollable fit of laughter. Joxer snorted and started to snigger. “What’s so funny?" Ares looked up at Hercules and howled hysterically. Hercules frowned and stalked off in disgust. Eventually the couple calmed down and everyone gave up trying to find out what was so funny. Breakfast was eaten quickly and they tidied the clearing, carefully burying the fire. “Right,” said Jett, “I don’t think we’re far now, I’m guessing about half a day’s walk.” “And then what?" asked Ares. “Then we see if we can find a werewolf, I don’t know! I’ve never been there,” Jett put his hands on his hips. “Okay, okay,” said Ares. “Lead on.” Gabrielle and Xena followed Jett, who stalked off. Ares and Joxer watched Iolaus stretch gingerly and join Hercules, then after sharing a knowing smile, followed them. @>*~ Xena dropped back to ride next to Ares and Joxer. Ares glanced up at her and waited. “So,” she said eventually, “Jett and Iolaus… are they?" Ares raised an eyebrow, “Are they?" She frowned at him, “You know what I mean.” He smirked and nodded. “They are?" “Yes.” “Gods,” Xena groaned, “I can just imagine Hercules’ reaction.” Ares started to chuckle again and Joxer sniggered. “Ah,” she nodded, “I see you’ve had this conversation.” Her lips twitched, then she snorted. Gabrielle and Hercules looked round and frowned at them. “Was there something in the food?" Gabrielle whispered. Hercules shrugged, “There’s something going on, but I’m not sure I want to know what. What do you think, Iolaus?" He turned to his friend who appeared to be staring into space. “Iolaus?" Iolaus jumped and tore his eyes from Jett’s ass. “What?" he asked. Hercules shook his head, “Never mind.” He paused and stared at Iolaus, “Are you okay? You seem distracted.” Iolaus nodded, trying not to let his gaze wander back to Jett. “Yeah, I’m fine. Um, I’m going to walk with Jett for a while,” he mumbled. “What? Why?" Hercules exclaimed. Iolaus looked at Hercules, “To be nice, he’s been walking on his own all morning.” Hercules snorted, “Yeah, I wonder why!” Iolaus frowned, “You can be a real dick, you know that?!” He said, stalking off to join Jett. Hercules exchanged an astonished look with Gabrielle. “What did I say?" Gabrielle shrugged, “Everyone’s being *really* weird!” she muttered. Hercules nodded in agreement. Jett glanced over at Iolaus and smiled. “Hi,” he whispered. “Hi,” Iolaus smiled back shyly. “How’re you doing, you know after…?" “I’m a little sore, but it feels good,” Iolaus grinned. Jett chuckled, “Really?" “Yeah, it’s almost like I can still feel you inside me,” Iolaus whispered. Jett groaned, “I wish I was.” Iolaus swallowed and adjusted himself surreptitiously. “Jett?" “Yeah.” “I was just wondering, I mean, it’s nothing really,” Iolaus stopped. “What is it?" Jett raised an eyebrow inquiringly. “Well, is there any particular reason why we both seem to be keeping this quiet?" “Oh.” Jett frowned thoughtfully. “Well, I guess, generally, it’d be safer for you if we kept it quiet. But with this lot,” he shrugged, “I suppose I assumed you didn’t want Hercules to know.” “Why?" Iolaus asked quietly. “Oh come on, Iolaus, this is me we’re talking about!” “So? I love you, if Hercules is really my friend, he’ll accept it.” “If you say so,” Jett mumbled. Iolaus stopped and yanked him forward, kissing him hard. “Yeah, I say so,” he said, letting Jett go again. They stared at each other for a moment, almost glaring. “Oh Gods.” Jett took Iolaus’ face in his hands and kissed him, so softly and gently that Iolaus gasped. Jett let him go and blinked in surprise. Iolaus was the only person in the world who could make him lose his self-control. He wasn’t sure if that terrified or thrilled him. “Oh gross, gross, gross!” Gabrielle exclaimed. Iolaus turned slowly and glared at her. Then he reluctantly turned his gaze to Hercules. Ares, Joxer and Xena had stopped, absolutely stunned when Iolaus had kissed Jett and then Jett had kissed Iolaus. They watched Hercules in morbid anticipation. Part 9 Hercules gaped blankly, all higher thought processes were momentarily paralysed. He was vaguely aware of his name being called and someone laughing loudly, but couldn’t quite get it together enough to react. “Do you think he’ll be all right?" Gabrielle whispered to Xena. Xena nodded, “Yeah, he just had a shock, he’ll get over it.” “I notice you don’t seem surprised,” Gabrielle commented. Xena shrugged, “I guessed, and Ares confirmed it.” “You mean *he* knew?!” Gabrielle glared at Ares, who was still laughing. “Well, Joxer is Jett’s brother, he was bound to know.” Joxer growled at Ares. “Okay, I’m sorry. I know I’m not helping,” Ares chuckled. He forced himself to calm down. Jett had an arm round Iolaus’ shoulders, “Don’t worry, ‘Laus, he’ll be fine.” He felt a little awkward, he wasn’t all that experienced with comforting people; especially when he was trying not to laugh. “Yeah, I guess,” Iolaus said quietly. “I just wasn’t expecting a reaction like this.” They all started walking again, Gabrielle leading the catatonic Hercules. @>*~ “I think this is it,” said Jett gazing around the clearing in awe. It was more of a gap in the trees than a clearing, leading to a small cave entrance. The rock around the entrance was carved in intricate detail with humans, wolves and merged figures, all in very interesting and explicit positions. “Gathering place, huh?" Iolaus raised an eyebrow at Jett, who shrugged and smirked. “Okay, so I left out the orgy part,” he smiled mischievously. Iolaus chuckled at him. Joxer explored the clearing, sniffing every surface until he reached the cave. He stood at the entrance and sniffed the air. Then he whimpered in distress and backed away, almost falling over in his hurry. “What is it, baby?" Ares asked in concern as Joxer ran over to him. Jett frowned and morphed into wolf form. He trotted to the cave and sniffed. He sneezed, then snorted. Transforming quickly back to human form, he too backed away from the cave, an unattractive shade of green. “Jett, what in Hades is going on?" Ares demanded, holding his trembling husband tightly. “I think maybe we shouldn’t go in there,” Jett said with a small shudder. “Why not?" Xena asked quietly. “I, I don’t know. It’s hard to explain. It smells wrong, bad.” Jett accepted Iolaus’ comforting hug, almost snuggling into his arms, he was so shaken. Joxer whimpered and buried his face in Ares’ neck. “I think we have to go in there,” said Xena. Ares nodded. Joxer whined. “I have to see what’s affecting you so badly, love, it could be important.” “I can’t go in there, I’m sorry, I just can’t,” said Jett quietly. “Okay, you stay here with Joxer and Hercules. He doesn’t look like he’s going to snap out of it any time soon.” Ares stood up. Joxer moved to stand in front of him and whined again. “It’ll be okay, my love.” Ares lifted Joxer’s chin and smiled gently, bending down to kiss his muzzle. “Let’s go,” he said to Xena, Gabrielle and Iolaus. They nodded and followed him into the cave. The entrance was long, narrow and dark, but soon opened out into quite a large cavern, lit by a whole in the roof. It was empty except for a large statue in the middle. “I assume that’s the problem,” Xena said, approaching the statue cautiously. It was huge, depicting a masked man holding a spear. At his feet were dead wolves and merged werewolves. The statue was coated in what appeared to be dried blood. “I think someone has it in for werewolves,” Ares frowned, this was complicating matters. “But I thought werewolves were immortal,” Iolaus said quietly, staring horrified at the statue. “Mostly, silver can kill them.” Ares circled the statue in barely suppressed fury. “Gods damn it!” he swore. Something about the statue reminded him of something, but he was damned if he could think what. “Do you think this is connected to what happened to Joxer?" Xena asked quietly. Ares span round, “I don’t know!” he snapped. A howl pierced the cave. “Joxer,” Ares whispered. He drew his sword and ran out of the cave, closely followed by the others. Part 10 Joxer was crouched, ready to pounce, between Jett and Hercules. Hercules looked furious and Jett was holding a dagger, glaring at him. “Hercules, Jett, stop!” Iolaus yelled at the pair. They both turned towards him. Hercules glared at him. "I can’t believe you’re fucking this, this…” “Hey!” Jett interrupted him before Iolaus could say anything. “We don’t fuck, you asshole! We’re in love.” Hercules snorted, “Oh please, you wouldn’t know the meaning of the word!” “Shut up, Hercules!” Iolaus pushed him out of the way and stared at Jett. “We?" he asked. Jett blinked and replayed what he'd just said in his head. Wow, he hadn't even realized. "Jett?!" Jett shook his head slightly, his feelings were now clear. "Yeah, we." Iolaus’ smile was blinding. Hercules growled and shook his head. Iolaus turned and raised a finger, pointing at Hercules. “Just don’t, okay?!” Hercules glared at him, then looked away. He blinked and took in his surroundings. “Hey, where are we anyway?" he asked. “Werewolf gathering place,” said Xena quietly. “Find anything?" “A very creepy statue in there,” Gabrielle pointed at the cave. “A statue?" Jett asked from the circle of Iolaus’ arms. Ares nodded, “I think this place has been cursed. We’re not going to find anything here, it’s been deserted for a while.” He sighed and crouched down to hug Joxer, “Sorry, love.” Joxer licked his face gently. “So, what do we do now?" Gabrielle asked only slightly impatiently. “Let’s just get out of here and find somewhere to camp. Then we can decide what to do,” suggested Jett. Joxer yipped. They were both eager to get away from the cave. Ares nodded, he didn’t like the way this place was affecting his husband. “Any particular way you want to go?" Jett raised an eyebrow and shrugged, “Just away.” Joxer trotted over to a trail and whined. “Let’s go then,” Ares followed his husband into the trees. @>*~ “Gods damn it!” Gabrielle exclaimed, wrenching her dress free from brambles for the fourth time. “You just had to pick this way, didn’t you?" She glared at the snickering wolf. Joxer yipped and snorted. Ares let out a bark of laughter. “What’d he say?" Gabrielle asked. “He said…” Ares stopped and burst out laughing. Gabrielle snorted in disgust. “Forget it, I don’t want to know!” she snapped. If it hadn’t been for Xena, the attack would have been a complete surprise. She jumped onto Argo’s saddle and threw her chakram as they were confronted by heavily armed men. With a loud cry, she leapt from Argo’s back catching her chakram and drawing her sword before she landed. “Show off,” muttered Ares with a small grin at Joxer. He drew his sword and joined his daughter, Joxer at his side. Jett actually hesitated momentarily, then he grinned evilly and morphed into wolf shape. He leapt at one of the men and ripped his throat out. Twisting round, he growled and rushed at one of the two men attacking Iolaus. He turned back into human form and pulled out a dagger, sliding it between the man’s ribs. “Get Ares!” someone roared. Ares frowned. Xena slashed a man across the throat and turned to him. “Back to back,” she said. He nodded and they positioned themselves to guard each other’s back. They systematically began to dispose of the men who were attacking them. Joxer leapt between two men, twisting mid-air so he landed facing them. He leapt at them, knocking them to the ground. One connected with a tree, but the other pulled a dagger and slashed out. Joxer howled as the dagger caught him across his foreleg. Gabrielle whacked his attacker across the head with her staff and brought the end down to crush his throat. Joxer whimpered. Ares frowned. “Jett, watch out, silver weapons, get Jox out of here!” “Damn!” Jett swore and dragged his brother out of the fray. Furious, Ares forgot he was mortal and fought without thought for his safety. “Ares, down!” He ducked just as a man flew across the trail and into a tree. He glanced round briefly and grinned at Hercules, who actually grinned back. Finally all the attackers were dead. “Joxer!” exclaimed Ares, he ran over to where Jett was holding his brother. “Baby,” he whispered. Part 11 “It’s not serious,” said Jett. “It’s healing already, but it’s going to scar badly because of the silver.” Joxer whined and licked Ares’ face reassuringly. “Are you sure?" Ares asked. Joxer nodded. “Is he okay?" Xena asked quietly. Jett nodded, “He’ll be fine.” “What in Hades is going on?" Hercules frowned. “They knew you’re mortal, they had silver edged weapons!” “We’re making someone nervous, I think. Someone who knows where we are and what we’re doing,” Ares said, his face dark with anger. “Someone Godly?" Iolaus suggested. Ares nodded. “I need to think,” he said. “Let’s get away from here and find somewhere to camp,” said Xena quietly. Joxer yipped and struggled to his feet. “Joxer,” Ares frowned at his husband and gently hauled him into his arms. Joxer whined in protest. “We’re not going far, it’ll help you heal quicker.” Joxer growled lightly and licked his face. Ares chuckled and hugged him, then followed after the others as they left the slaughter behind. @>*~ “Ares?" “What?!” Ares snapped. Hercules raised an eyebrow. “I was just wondering if you’d like me to take him for you.” They’d been walking longer than they thought they would, and while Ares was strong, he was mortal. Ares *was* struggling, but he refused to admit it. Besides, he was the *only* one who was going to carry Joxer. “No!” he snapped. Joxer nudged his neck and whined slightly. Ares clenched his jaw stubbornly. Joxer nipped his earlobe. “Ow! Okay! No, thank you, Hercules,” he muttered. Hercules couldn’t quite help a chuckle when Jett murmured, “Whipped!” Ares’ growl rivalled one of Joxer’s. “Oh, let’s just stop, shall we?" Xena sighed. “Good idea,” Gabrielle muttered. They made camp quietly. Ares put Joxer down gently and checked his wound. “It’s healing,” he sighed. Joxer laughed quietly and licked him. There was silence as Ares tried to think what it was he was missing. Xena and Gabrielle sat quietly, building a fire. Jett and Iolaus leaned against each other, dozing quietly while Hercules stared at them. Joxer lay with his head in Ares’ lap. “Well,” said Jett suddenly, opening his eyes, “I’m hungry.” He kissed Iolaus and turned to his brother. “You wanna hunt, Jox?" Joxer yipped. “Cool!” “What?" Ares frowned. “I don’t think so.” “He’ll be fine, you don’t want it to stiffen up,” said Jett. Joxer nuzzled Ares’ neck and licked his ear, making small whining noises. Jett bit his cheeks and looked away to keep from laughing as Ares groaned. “Okay, okay. But be careful, please,” Ares gave in. Jett snickered and morphed into wolf form. He hopped over to Iolaus and licked his mouth. Iolaus grinned, “See you later.” Jett ran off into the trees and Joxer followed carefully. “What?!” Ares glared at Xena and Gabrielle who were smirking at him. Hercules stared at Iolaus in disgust, and Iolaus glared at him. Hercules eventually looked away. Iolaus sighed. A little later, Ares shifted closer and Iolaus looked up in surprise. “Jett’s very lucky,” Ares said quietly. “There aren’t many who would have accepted him just as human, let alone as a werewolf.” Iolaus shrugged, “I see what’s inside him, that’s why I love him. The same way Joxer sees inside you and loves you for all you are. We aren’t the only ones who looked beyond appearances you know,” he commented. Ares raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I suppose you’re right.” “Of course I am,” Iolaus laughed, drawing a stare from Hercules which he steadfastly ignored. “You and my asshole brother going to be all right?" Ares asked. Iolaus chuckled, “Do you actually give a shit?" Ares shrugged. “Not really,” he grinned. Iolaus was prevented from replying by Joxer trotting back into the clearing. He dropped the bird he was carrying and leapt at Ares eagerly. Ares caught him easily, and chuckled as his husband pushed him down and lapped his face enthusiastically. Ares caught him by the neck, pulling him back so he could join in the kiss. “For Hades’ sake you two. Tone it down or get a room,” Jett sauntered casually back into the clearing. “What’s up?" Iolaus asked curiously, gesturing at the unrepentant couple who were still kissing, much to Gabrielle’s and Hercules’ disgust. Jett shrugged, “I guess he missed him.” Iolaus stood slowly. “Did you miss me?" he whispered breathily. Jett growled and dropped the food he was holding to step forward and drag Iolaus up to him. “Yeah,” he whispered, dipping his head to kiss Iolaus fiercely. “Oh please!” Hercules yelled. “Enough, all of you. No one wants to see it!” “I don’t know, they’re kinda hot,” Xena muttered. She blinked innocently at him when he turned his stare onto her. “Fuck off, Jerkules. *I* don’t have any rules preventing me from killing you!” Jett snapped. Hercules frowned and advanced on him. “Try it!” “Stop now, or I’ll tie you both up and gag you,” Xena said quietly. Both men stopped. They continued to glare at each other, but Jett allowed himself to be drawn back by Iolaus. Ares, who now had Joxer in his lap chomping down on the bird carcass he’d brought back, was snickering. Gabrielle got up and gathered the food Jett had dropped. They ate mostly in silence with a lot of glaring all round, before settling down for the night. Iolaus curled up with Jett in the same manner as Ares and Joxer, with his head resting on Jett’s belly and haunches, once he’d transformed into a wolf. Part 12 Ares woke with a start and sat up. “You okay?" Xena asked. He stared at her. “You on watch?" he asked, avoiding her question. She nodded. “You okay?" she repeated. “I don’t know,” Ares sighed. “I know I’m missing something, I just can’t think what.” Xena frowned thoughtfully. “Any clues from the statue?" she asked quietly. Ares stared blankly at her. “Yes!” he said suddenly, “I got distracted by Joxer, but there was something.” He closed his eyes to picture the statue, trying to think what had caught his attention. Then he froze. “What? What is it?" Xena realised he’d remembered something. Ares shook his head, “No, it can’t be.” “Ares, what?" Xena snapped impatiently. “The statue was of a man, right?" Xena nodded. “Then how come he’s holding Artemis’ spear?" Xena’s eyebrow’s climbed up her forehead, “Are you sure?" “Oh yeah,” Ares frowned. “What in Hades is going on?" “I don’t know, but I can’t see Artemis working with a man, can you?" Ares shrugged, “It’s happened.” Jett lifted his head and growled at them. “Don’t be rude,” Iolaus muttered, turning over and hugging his lover. Ares raised an eyebrow at the couple. Jett snorted and lowered his head again. Ares stared into the fire, trying to figure out why Artemis would be linked to the destruction of the werewolf people and possibly to what happened to his beloved husband. “I think it might be time to…” There was a bright flash and the group found themselves in a cave, caged and bound. “Wha’s going on?" Gabrielle asked sleepily. Ares wasted no time, he twisted so his wrists were next to Joxer’s mouth where his husband proceeded to chew at his bonds. Iolaus followed his lead with Jett. Hercules tested the strength of the ropes and managed to break them as Ares and Iolaus got rid of theirs and untied their respective wolves. Hercules untied Xena and Gabrielle, then tried the bars. “You won’t get through them,” Ares said quietly. Hercules ignored him and continued to tug at them. Jett yipped and Ares, Joxer and Iolaus started laughing. Jett transformed into human shape and looped an arm round Iolaus’ waist. A small whimpering noise distracted all their attention. Joxer sniffed the air and then whined in distress. “Puppies?!” Ares exclaimed. “Who’s there?" came a voice, “Who are you?" “Hello?" Ares called, “Are you a prisoner too?" “Yes,” the woman sounded very depressed. “Who are you?" “Um, well, four heroes, two um wolves, and a God?" Ares said carefully. They heard a gasp. “Oh no, they promised they wouldn’t.” She sounded tearful. “I’m so sorry, this is all my fault.” “How? Who are you?" Jett asked suddenly. “My name is Jalaya.” Jett gasped. Joxer yipped. “Mother?" Jett asked quietly, hesitantly. “Yes, child,” Jalaya answered gently. “How is this your fault?" Ares asked. “I’m sorry, it was I who took Joxer’s human form.” “What? Why?" Ares growled. “They threatened my babies,” Jalaya whispered. “Who’s they?" Hercules asked. “A werewolf, named Junar. He, uh, he’s obsessed with me. He thinks I don’t love him because he’s not pureblood, that’s why he has me locked up. But, I don’t love him because he raped a young girl while she was in wolf form so he could become a werewolf,” she started to explain. “Whoa, wait a minute,” Iolaus interrupted. “Are you saying you become a werewolf if you have sex with a werewolf in wolf form?!” “Yes. Why?" Jalaya sounded puzzled. “Um,” Iolaus blinked. “Oh Gods!” Jett exclaimed, “I didn’t know, I swear Iolaus, I didn’t.” “Oh, oh gross!” Gabrielle made a hacking noise. “Please tell me you didn’t?!” Hercules gasped in disgust. “Are you okay, Iolaus?" Xena asked quietly. Iolaus blinked again, “Um, yeah, I think so. I just didn’t expect…” he shook his head. “I’m sorry,” Jett whispered. Iolaus turned to him, “I know, it’s okay, it’s not your fault.” “What’s going on?" Jalaya asked, sounding concerned. “It’s okay. Can you tell us why you took Joxer’s human form?" Ares asked. “Junar hooked up with Artemis, they’re working together. It was she who demanded I take Joxer’s human form.” “But why?" Ares frowned in confusion. “Because it’s disgusting!” Ares swung round, “Art, why?" Artemis snorted, “It’s bad enough seeing you all lovey-dovey over some man, but over one of those freaks?!” “Hey!” said the man standing next to her. “Shut up, Junar!” she snapped. “I’ve had enough of this!” Ares growled. “Father!” Nothing happened. Artemis laughed. “He can’t hear you, no one can hear you in here,” she smiled. Ares’ eyes narrowed, “What are you going to do now?" “Kill you all. And Junar here,” Artemis gripped the rogue werewolf by the neck, “Is going to get the blame.” “What? But…” Junar squealed. “You really are quite stupid aren’t you?" she laughed. She twisted suddenly and stabbed him through the heart with a silver dagger. She sniffed and let his body drop. “Of course, he committed suicide after going mad and killing you all,” she laughed at the stunned gazes. “Art? You forgot something,” Ares said quietly. “Oh really, what would that be?" Artemis laughed scornfully. Ares disappeared and reappeared behind her. He grabbed her tightly, knocking the dagger from her hand. “You can’t block prayers,” he whispered into her ear. He blasted her point blank with a fireball and she dropped to the floor unconscious. Ares waved his hand and the cages opened. Joxer leapt over to him, followed by the others. They turned to see Jalaya walk out of her cage, with her pups. She smiled hesitantly. “Joxer, come here please,” she said quietly. Joxer trotted over to her and cocked his head inquiringly. “Change,” she whispered. Joxer shimmered and stood before them in human form. He grinned. “Ares!” he exclaimed and leapt on his husband. “I love you!” Ares caught him and swung him round joyfully. “Oh, Jox,” he laughed and kissed him soundly. He pulled back and stared at Joxer, stroking his face wonderingly. “I missed hearing your voice.” “I missed speaking,” Joxer grinned. He turned back to his mother, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome,” she smiled nervously, “I’m only sorry I had to take it from you in the first place.” Joxer slipped out of Ares’ arms and crouched down by the puppies playing at his mother’s feet. She smiled down at him as he tickled one. “Are they…?" Jett stepped forward hesitantly. Jalaya smiled at him, “Your brothers and sisters? Yes.” She gazed at her two grown up sons longingly, reaching down to touch Joxer’s hair gently. “My beautiful boys,” she whispered, “Where’s Jace?" Joxer stood up and hugged her, “He didn’t come with us.” She hugged him back tightly, blinking back tears. She looked at Ares, “You are a good mate for my son, I’m glad they were able to save you.” Jett cleared his throat nervously, looking back at Iolaus. Iolaus smiled reassuringly at him and when Jett held out his hand, he stepped forward and took it. Jalaya smiled, “Jett, is this your mate?" Jett stared questioningly at Iolaus. Iolaus smiled and nodded. “Yes,” Jett whispered. Jalaya touched Iolaus’ cheek and gasped. “You are so lucky!” she exclaimed. Jett blinked at her. “He is changing, that means he has accepted all of you. That is truly rare.” “I have a question,” said Xena suddenly. All eyes turned to her. “If sleeping with the wolf makes a human change, what does it do to a God?" Jalaya raised an eyebrow at Ares, who nodded. She sighed happily. “Honestly, I have no idea, I’m afraid.” “It means that he becomes God of Werewolves.” There was a flash and Zeus and Hera appeared. Ares raised an eyebrow at his parents. “As you were mortal when you slept with Joxer in fully wolf form, you began to change, now that you have your godhood back, it has become part of that.” “Jalaya, we never thanked you for giving up your sons to save ours,” said Hera gently. “We’d like to invite you back with us, so you can get to know them again. Cupid has gone to fetch Jace.” Jalaya nodded, “Thank you.” “Ares, you may do as you wish with Artemis for the period of one month,” Zeus said quietly. Ares smiled darkly, “Thank you, father.” “Ares?" Ares turned to his husband, “Yes, love?" “Don’t, don’t be too hard on her, please.” Joxer stepped closer and pressed his body against Ares’, sighing as strong arms came up to hold him. He nuzzled Ares’ neck. “She let ignorance and prejudice cloud her judgement, she needs help, not punishment.” Ares sighed, “We’ll see.” Joxer smiled and kissed him softly. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Shall we go? I love family reunions,” said Hera with a smile. “Um, what about us?" Xena asked quietly. “Well,” Hera glanced at Hercules and sighed, “I guess you’re all family.” Zeus hugged her, “Thank you, dear.” “Yes, well,” she cleared her throat, “Shall we go?" FIN!A/N: I'm not particularly keen on the ending, myself. It was finished under duress I'm afraid, but I hope you enjoyed it anyway.